The agitation for the biggest city in Africa, Ibadan gaining its freedom from Oyo state and stand alone as Ibadan state has been a topic for decades.

The Balogun of Ibadanland, High Chief Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, has listed the speedy creation of Ibadan State as top on his agenda when he formally assumes the throne as Olubadan of Ibadan.

The Balogun is set to ascend the throne as the 41^st Olubadan, following the demise of the previous occupier of the seat, Oba Samuel Odulana Odugade 1 aged 101.

The Balogun spoke at his Popoyemoja palace on Tuesday while receiving visitors among them leaders of the Ibadan Elders’ Forum, Oluyole Club of Lagos, Onisese Osemeji Ibadan, Old Students of Ibadan Grammar School, Fuji Musicians Association of Nigeria (FUMAN), Baale Elewura and other groups and associations that came to pay him homage.

According to Chief Adetunji, who spoke in Yoruba, he was persuaded by the likes of Chief Omiyale, Alhaji Lamidi Adedibu and other Ibadan elders to succumb to pressure to become Mogaji of his family and later Jagun Balogun; climbing up 23 steps to become Olubadan-designate.

He said moves to ensure creation of Ibadan State started in 1976, adding that several efforts had been made to ensure it came to pass and expressed the hope that during his reign, the efforts will yield the desired outcome.

The Olubadan-designate, who declared that he was prosperous in his music promotion business in Lagos and other cities both at home and abroad, said what he has achieved since 1976 when he became the Mogaji, could only be achieved by someone who depends on God only.

Adetunji is a renowned music marketer with three marketing companies – Omo Aje Sound Studio, Adetunji Label and Babalaje Record, which he founded 55 years ago.?

“The creation of Ibadan state is my first priority, we have gone to Abuja about three times. The person who was there before promised, we will continue to fight for it, and I believe it will be achieved during my tenure.

“I will be happy when Ibadan state is created for the development of Ibadanland”, he said.

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